Diseases from Raccoons Kent, WA.

Racoon Diseases Kent, WA.

Raccoons in Kent can carry diseases that can make you sick. Most people know that many raccoons can carry rabies but that is just one of many. Here is a list of diseases that raccoons can carry. This list may not include all the diseases raccoons carry but does include those that are most likely.

Rabies - rabies is the most known disease that raccoons can carry. Rabies is a virus. It is transmitted through the bite of infected animals. It causes damage to the central nervous system. It eventually affects the brain and causes death. In humans symptoms include fever, headache, loss of muscle control, anxiety, inability to sleep even though you feel weak and tired, hallucinations, excess salivation, and inability to swallow. These progress until death occurs.
When trying to determine if a raccoon has rabies keep in mind that just being awake in the daytime and/or having no fear of humans is not a sign of rabies. If you do see a raccoon that has difficulty walking, is slow and disoriented, making loud noises (most raccoons looking for food will do so quietly), and foaming at the mouth or drooling that raccoon is most likely rabid. Get a safe distance away. Please contact a professional to deal with this animal.

Raccoon Roundworm - This is a parasite. It is commonly found in raccoon intestines .Raccoons will not usually show signs of having the parasite. Eggs of the roundworm are in the feces of raccoons. Humans and pets can become infected through accidental ingestion of fecal matter. It can even happen through inhalation of dried fecal matter. This usually happens if you are cleaning up an area where raccoons have been using as their bathroom. Consider calling in a professional to remove contaminated materials. Humans exhibit signs that include skin lesions, eye and brain damage. Symptoms can include blindness, loss of coordination, nauseousness, and lethargy. Pets can shows signs that include tilting of the head, loss of coordination, rolling on the ground and lethargy.

Canine Distemper - This is a virus. This highly contagious virus infects the respiratory system. It is transmitted through contact with mucus of an infected animal. This can be direct contact or contact with objects with mucus droplets still on them. Runny noses and watery eyes are early symptoms. These can progress into pneumonia and conjunctivitis. As it progresses they can become lethargic and disoriented. This can lead to behaving in a way that looks much like rabies. Humans can not become infected but any unvaccinated pet dogs are at risk.

Feline Distemper - This is a virus. This highly contagious virus results in a high fever, vomiting, and diarrhea. The animal becomes lethargic due to dehydration. Death usually occurs within a week. It is transmitted through all body secretions. Fleas and flies can also aid in transmission of this disease.This disease is not transmitted to humans but unvaccinated pet cats are at risk.

Salmonella - This is a bacteria. Raccoons can be carriers and suffer no symptoms. It can be transmitted to humans. The transmission happens through contaminated water, soil or fecal matter. It results in fever, diarrhea and abdominal cramps within 12 to 72 hours after infection. It can last 4-7 days. It can lead to dehydration and death and must be treated with antibiotics.

Leptospirosis - This is a bacteria. This bacteria can result in kidney failure, liver disease, meningitis, respiratory illness and even death. Symptoms can include fever, rash, diarrhea, vomiting, muscle aches and stomach pain. This is transmitted through raccoon fecal matter.

Giardia Lamblia - This is a parasite. This parasite is found in the small intestine. This causes diarrhea and stomach pain. It can lead to dehydration. It is transmitted through contaminated water, soil or fecal matter.

Parvovirus - This is a virus. This virus is a strain similar to feline or canine parvovirus. The raccoon might have bloody diarrhea and be lethargic. It is transmitted through fecal matter. It can also be transmitted through insects like fleas and flies.